Wattle imagery slideshow

Wattle imagery slideshow

The wattle has long been popularly regarded as Australia's floral emblem and its official status was confirmed in 1988. Wattle features on the coat of arms, is a popular motif in the arts and is worn in memory of Australians who have died in war and overseas.

Image Gallery Page Navigation

Miss Australia crown, 1960s

Worn by Miss Australia each year from 1965 to 1991, this crown was made in Japan with Japanese cultured pearls and Australian natural pearls representing wattle flowers. The crown was commissioned and donated to the Miss Australia Quest by Mr and Mrs James Greenfield, in appreciation of the successful life they created in Australia, after escaping the Second World War in Europe. Designed by Ernest Booth. National Museum of Australia. Photo: George Serras.

Linen dress with Australian wildflower embroidery, 1964

Jan Taylor, Australia's representative at the Miss International beauty pageant in Long Beach, California, 1964, wore this dress as her 'national costume'. It was designed by Beril Jents, a leading Sydney designer of the 1940s-60s, to promote Australia and Australian fashion to overseas audiences. The dress is embroidered with state floral emblems and wildflowers, including wattle. Donated by Jan McGrath (nee Taylor). National Museum of Australia. Photo: Lannon Harley.

Bali bombing victims memorial banner, 2002

Following the Bali bombings on 12 October 2002, when 88 Australian citizens died in terrorist attacks in Indonesia, many people expressed their grief by leaving mementos at Parliament House in Canberra and on the steps of Victorian Parliament. This banner continues a tradition of using wattle in memory of Australians who have died overseas. National Museum of Australia. Photo: Lannon Harley.

Order of Australia Medal set presented to John Warren, 2002

The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 'for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service'. The Order's insignia were designed by Stuart Devlin and feature the golden wattle flower as their main decorative motif. This set was presented to former Australian soccer captain Johnny Warren. National Museum of Australia. Photo: Lannon Harley.